generator problems

[geronimo]

my generator quit working and not while it was running. what is the container on the side of the generator? looks like oil reserve' it looks low. i drained oil in engine and it didnt drain.i have a generac 3500 watt minecon 1.any info greatly appreaciated

[Robert P. Anderson]

The tank is a oil tank. It must be full for the gen. to work. Regg chrankase oil is OK. I have a manualthat I could have copyed for you if you have further problems. E mail c170b@Juno.com

[amclipper]

as noted in the post above, the tank is an oil reserve/makeup tank and must have oil in it ( more than quarter full.)  If the oil level in the tank is low,  a switch in the tank will not allow the generator to run until it level is brought back up.  When you drain the oil out of the generator crankcase, the oil in the reserve tank will not drain out (by design.)
Ed